The Power of Presence in Virtual Meetings: One Key Lesson That Changed How I Show Up
Photo by Brooke Cagle on UnsplashI used to believe that showing up to virtual meetings was simply about being there — logging in, turning on my camera, and getting through the agenda. But there was a turning point when I realized that presence in a virtual room goes beyond just showing up physically. It’s about how you show up mentally and emotionally — something that can change the course of your career and the people you impact.
The turning point for me was understanding that confidence isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room — it’s about showing up as someone others want to follow. That simple shift has transformed not only how I approach virtual meetings, but how I lead, influence, and connect with people, even through a screen.
Why Confidence Matters in Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings have become the new norm, but the way we present ourselves in these spaces is often taken for granted. We think we can blend in, hide behind muted microphones, and still be effective. The truth is, when we don’t take ownership of our presence, we lose an opportunity to build trust and influence. We lose the chance to lead.
When you show up with confidence, you’re not just asserting your expertise — you’re giving others permission to trust you. And trust is the foundation of any successful team. Confidence breeds confidence. It sets the tone for how others perceive you, and more importantly, how they perceive themselves when they’re around you.
Think about this: Who do you trust more? The person who fumbles through their thoughts, unsure if their idea is worth sharing, or the one who speaks clearly, listens attentively, and makes space for others to contribute? The confident presence you bring to the table doesn’t just elevate your performance — it elevates the entire team’s.
What Does Confidence Look Like in a Virtual Setting?
In a virtual world, presence is about being seen, heard, and felt. It’s not enough to be the box with your name on the screen. Presence means turning on your camera, engaging with others, and being intentional with how you communicate.
But it’s more than that. Presence is also about listening — actively, not passively. It’s about creating moments where people feel heard, understood, and valued. A confident leader isn’t just the one who speaks up — they’re the one who draws out the voices of others.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to be in control of the conversation to be effective. In reality, the most powerful leaders create environments where others can thrive. And that starts with how we show up — ready to engage, willing to listen, and confident in our ability to guide the conversation.
The Ripple Effect of Your Presence
Showing up with confidence in virtual meetings isn’t just about advancing your career — it’s about creating a ripple effect in the lives of others. When you show up fully present and engaged, you encourage others to do the same. You inspire trust, build relationships, and create an environment where people feel they can contribute and grow.
Your presence doesn’t just affect the project or the task at hand — it affects the culture of your team. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about hierarchy or titles; it’s about showing up in a way that inspires others to do the same.
So the next time you log in to a virtual meeting, ask yourself: Am I showing up with the kind of confidence that builds trust, or am I just going through the motions? Because the way you show up today could very well shape the way your team shows up tomorrow.
If you found value in this, I’m hosting a workshop on October 30 called How to Own the Room: Presence and Confidence in Remote Meetings. It’s designed to help you take control of your virtual presence and unlock the kind of confidence that makes a lasting impact. You can sign up here. Let’s take your virtual presence to the next level.
